Bondas demand NFSA ration cards, gherao block office

Koraput: A large number of Bondas ghearoed Khairput block office in Malkangiri district on Saturday demanding ration cards under the National Food Security Act (NFSA).
Bondas are one of the state's particularly vulnerable tribal groups with a population of over 6,000. Bondas live in virtually-inaccessible hills spread over 130 sqkm in Mudulipada and Andrahal panchayats in Malkangiri.
The tribals alleged that since January they have not received their quota of subsidized rice as they are yet to get the ration cards since the implementation of the NFSA.
"We are facing problem as we are forced to purchase the rice from market at a higher price," said Samari Sisa, 41, of Bandiguda village.
Enraged over the alleged indifference attitude of the officials concerned, the tribals belonging to Bandiguda, Hichapada, Goparpada, Bondapada and Kirsanipada demanded immediate solution to their problem.
"If our demand is not addressed at the earliest then we will intensify our stir and sit in strike for an indefinite period," Sisa added.
Incidentally, Sisa and her husband Dhabulu had attended this year's Republic Day parade in New Delhi with an invitation from the ministry of tribal affairs. When contacted, block development officer (Khairput) Damburudhar Murali said, "The Bondas, who have not received ration cards under the NFSA, have been asked to submit the required documents, including the old ration cards. Once they submit the documents, new ration cards will be issued to the eligible beneficiaries at the earliest."
A organization called Bonda Development Agency was formed in 1977 to ensure the development of the tribals, but the Bondas, whose literacy is as low as 7.8%, continue to live in an area of darkness, said an expert.